Two new items are included on the agenda for the 17th meeting of OECS Ministers of Education, slated for November 23rd to 24th in Basseterre.

The OECS Secretariat’s Education Reform Unit (OERU) says on Wednesday, the opening day of deliberations the results of a Feasibility study on text book procurement in the OECS will be revealed before the OECS Ministers of Education. This study, among other things, looks at the possibility of a general text book purchasing and distribution system for the OECS. A similar operation is facilitated for pharmaceuticals through the OECS Pharmaceuticals Procurement Service Unit.

Also on Wednesday, Ministers of Education will on the first day hear a special presentation on Policy options on School Discipline. This issue on discipline in schools in the OECS follows a study involving parent teacher associations, principals, teachers and students.

The OERU will table its Status Report before the ministers as well. This report carries several developments in Education Reform.

Officer in Charge at the OECS Education Reform Unit Dr. Henry Hinds says research on teachers and their work, by the OECS Education Reform Unit has inspired the process towards an OECS Generic Code of Ethics for Teachers. The code of ethics was informed by union leaders, teachers and Ministries of Education.

A Generic Teachers Appraisal Scheme is also among the significant contributions towards the profession, facilitated by the OECS Education Reform Unit. Teachers Colleges, Teachers and Ministries of Education in the OECS helped to develop the appraisal scheme.

Other issues such as Tertiary Education, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and collaboration with regional and international agencies are among the items listed for consideration by the OECS Ministers of Education this week. The meeting will consider mechanisms for continuing collaboration and sharing expertise in education reform.

St. Kitts Nevis Minister of Education Sam Condor will chair the OECS two-day meeting at the Marriot Hotel.

Contacts:
Dr. Henry Hinds Officer in Charge OERU
Kendol Morgan Senior Communications Officer OECS Secretariat This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Raymond O’Keiffe Comm.Officer OECS Secretariat email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it